Fourth of seven hikes in the Walk in Wonder 2026 hike-a-thon.
Jack R. Smiley consists of a grass path that meanders the border habitat between agricultural fields and wetland. It’s the northernmost property in a string of contiguous preserves that form the Superior Greenway. I can’t adequately express how critical this project is for wildlife in an age where all the natural spaces have been carved up into disconnected lots. And for the migrating birds that need resting and feeding places on their journey—these preserves provide a green stripe of abundance in the midst of suburban sprawl.
We were treated to the widest array of wildflowers that we’ve seen in any of our hikes so far, a testament to the stewardship efforts of SMLC keeping invasive shrubs at bay. All around us, the insects buzzed their happiness, we might have buzzed a bit, too… 🐝
Next hike: Conservancy Farm →